Manchester United have emerged as shock contenders to sign Germany captain Michael Ballack, just days after arch rivals Chelsea released him.

The 33-year-old midfielder is not short of offers, with three other Premier League clubs and a host of European rivals vying for his ­signature.

United, Tottenham, Aston Villa and West Ham face competition from three ­German clubs, two Italians and reported interest from Spanish giants Real ­Madrid.

Jose Mourinho, Real’s new manager, originally brought Ballack to England in the summer of 2006 when they worked together at ­Chelsea. United also wanted Ballack when he became a free agent at Bayern Munich four years ago but lost out to Chelsea in that chase.

The Blues tabled a four-year contract on a staggering £130,000 a week.

Ballack enjoys superstar status in his homeland and was crowned German ­footballer of the year in 2002, 2003 and 2005.

On his departure from ­Chelsea last week he said: “Naturally I’m disappointed to leave Chelsea after four ­enjoyable years at the club.

“But unfortunately we couldn’t reach an agreement over a new two-year ­contract.

“As yet I have no idea where I will be playing next season, but I want to play for ­another two years at the highest level.”

Ballack has always ­intimated that he would like to end his career back in ­Germany. The interest from Bayern Munich, Bayer Leverkusen and Steve ­McClaren’s Wolfsburg is likely to hold some appeal.

Spurs boss Harry Redknapp is scouring Europe for ­midfield reinforcements in preparation for their Champions League campaign and would love to capture Ballack.

Aston Villa and West Ham are unlikely to see off fierce ­competition for his signature, despite registering their ­interest with the player’s agent, Michael Becker.

While United are likely to be reluctant to offer Ballack the security of a full two-year ­contract it’s anticipated they will offer him a year with an option to extend by a ­further 12 months.

It wouldn’t be the first time that manager Sir Alex Ferguson has sprung a ­surprise in the transfer market and caught other ­rivals cold.

Last summer he signed former England marksman Michael Owen on a free transfer from Newcastle and ignored ­widespread criticism from supporters who were against the signing because he had played for ­Liverpool.